Translate to a language

Leanne Morrison, who leaves a young son, was driven to her death by online bullies, including one troll who created a fake Tinder account in her name

A young mum took her own life on her 23rd birthday after being plagued by online trolls.

Leanne Morrison was driven to her death by online bullies, including one troll who created a fake Tinder account in her name.

The devoted mum-of-one appeared to enjoy celebration drinks with her friends

Despite seeming to enjoy her celebration drinks with friends in Stirling, Leanne is believed to have killed herself when she returned to her home in nearby Cambusbarron.

Grandmother Isabel Morrison, who raised Leanne, told the Daily Record the family were devastated by the loss of the young mum, who leaves behind four-year-old son Mason.

Isabel, 63, said: “I spoke to her the night before her birthday when she came to get her cards and she was in good form and looking forward to her night out.

“She told me she had an appointment to see the doctor and I think she had been suffering from depression after having a few rough times recently – but no one realised how bad it was.

“We are all utterly devastated. Leanne knew so many people and had so many great friends. She was the life and soul of the party and loved a night out but she lived for her wee boy and Mason is our main concern.”

(Image: Internet Unknown)

Isabel said she didn’t know about the bullying until after Leanne’s death.

She added: “I have been made aware of some things that have been said on Facebook, which are upsetting.”

Leanne’s body was identified by her brother William, 20, and uncle Donnie Morrison, 40, after the alarm was raised.

Friends on social media told how Leanne had suffered from depression and a recent relationship had broken down, and she believed that an ex-partner had taken up with a close friend.

Leanne had also made reference to online bullying, which has been reported to the police.

Another family member said: “It was bullies that drove to her to this.

“Some sicko created a fake Tinder account and was contacting guys with it. Police have been given a name for the person who is suspected and everyone who knows Leanne is hoping they get properly punished for it.

“Leanne would always tell people she was doing OK but it was known that some of the setbacks she’s had in the last few years have led to depression and she has struggled to cope.”

Leanne had split up with Mason’s dad, soldier Colin McLaughlin, some time ago but the pair maintained an amicable relationship. Colin had recently returned from a holiday abroad with his son.

On Facebook yesterday, Leanne’s sister Natalie posted a heartbreaking tribute and pledged to look after Mason. She said: “Sleep tight beautiful baby sis.️ I still can’t accept that you’re gone.

“I promise we will love, protect and cherish Mason, promise to make you so proud of him and to always tell him how much you loved him.

“See you again soon, I love you x.”

William paid his own tribute. He said: “My beautiful big sister, it really is such a bitter pill to swallow, a numbing pain, can’t believe you’re not here. In in all our hearts forever and ever.

“We will make sure Mason makes his mummy proud, fly high sis, love you xxx.”

The young mum’s cousin, Jacqueline Morrison, started a crowdfunding appeal to boost Leanne’s funeral fund, which stood at more than £1000 last night.

She said: “Everyone who knew Leanne knew what a beautiful person she was inside and out and how much she loved her family and friends, especially her gorgeous son Mason.

“Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Leanne will have amazing memories they can cherish forever.”

In April, Leanne gave a clue as to the trauma she was being forced to endure online.

She wrote on Facebook: “Well just want to clear a few things up, not a single person will get to me with their pathetic, disgusting lies. So say and think what you want about me cause every last one of you are irrelevant.

“And as for the so-called pal, don’t even know where to start with it.”

Two days before her death, Leanne posted a more optimistic message, saying: “We all mess up sometimes. Don’t forget all the good someone has done just because they’ve made mistakes.

“Everyone is learning, living and growing. Always let the good outweigh the bad. Love, laugh and live. Day one or one day, it’s your choice so make it worth it.”

But close friend Sasha Faichney told on Facebook how bullies had been driving Leanne to despair.

She said: “The only thing keeping me going is that I’m going to kill them. Absolute b******s. She was the best wee person. A sister. Xx”

Sasha added later: “Mental abuse from all angles. The people who done it know who they are and the guilt should be carried with them forever.”

Another friend, Danielle Duguid, said: “I hope they live in guilt and misery for the rest of their days or she gets justice and they are done by the police and get a jail sentence for taking her life. See how big their mouths are then.

“She didn’t deserve any of the s*** they gave her. Beautiful lassie inside and out who had everything to live for but because of them her sight was blinded and it’s resulted in her no longer here, her son without his mummy.

“Some people don’t realise what their actions can do. I hope this opens people’s eyes to think before they act.”

Jenna Kelly added: “Hope they are full of guilt for what they’ve done to her. Hope the police look through her FB and her phone and find the cruel nasty folk who brought her to her lowest. Poor family will never be the same xxx.”

(Image: Internet Unknown)

A spokesman for the Mental Health Foundation Scotland said yesterday: “Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by this tragic case.

“In August, statistics from the National Records of Scotland revealed an increase in the number of people who died by suicide in 2016.

“We urgently need to uncover the reasons for this, with a focus on the pressure that young people are under.

“A majority of people who live with mental health problems never seek professional help. For anyone worried about a friend or loved one, we would advise they visit NHS Scotland’s Choose Life website, which provides information on talking to someone.

“Samaritans Scotland are also available to talk 24 hours a day, all year round, on 116 123.”

No one from Police Scotland was able to comment on Leanne’s case yesterday.